During a training session for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Vladislav Heraskevych, the Ukrainian flag bearer, wore a helmet that featured portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. This gesture sparked significant controversy, as there are concerns that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may prohibit him from wearing it during the competition due to its political implications. Heraskevych expressed profound disappointment at the potential ban, stating that it feels like the IOC is betraying athletes who contributed to the Olympic movement by not allowing them to be honored in a meaningful way at such an important event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his support for Heraskevych’s initiative, highlighting its importance as a remembrance of those who cannot compete anymore. In a message on Telegram, Zelensky emphasized that the helmet serves as a tribute to Ukrainian athletes lost to the conflict with Russia, which underscores the stark intersection of sports and the ongoing war. This situation reflects the complexities of international sporting events occurring against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions.

The incident raises critical questions about the role of sports in political discourse and the responsibilities of organizations like the IOC to address sensitive matters that intertwine with national identities and conflicts. As the Olympics strive to maintain neutrality, incidents like this challenge the boundaries between athletic expression and political statements, especially for nations affected by war. The outcome for Heraskevych will likely spark further discussions on athletes’ rights to express their identities and histories in sports venues.